The Falcons have spots to fill on the lines, and Potts split time under center last year, but the team has a bevy of gifted playmakers, including Camron Batson, Alfonso McMillan, Sheldon Bulock and others, to carry the load on both sides of the ball.

CONRAD SYMPATHIZES WITH LUTHER

Conrad knows what things have been like for Luther coach Shawn Meek in the opening week of practice.

A little more than a year ago, when a tornado came through Dibble, Conrad hit the phones and started calling his players to make sure they were all right.

Meek has been through a similar situation this week with the wildfires in Luther.

“It's tough,” Conrad said. “I can see where he's coming from now. It's not easy but they're going to pull through and be OK. We've definitely been thinking about them.”

LUTHER'S WEATHERS MOVES TO QB

Haskell Browning had been keeping the starting quarterback's seat warm the last couple of seasons, but now, senior Austin Weathers will get his chance to fill the role under new head coach Meek.

Weathers has been playing for the Lions at defensive end and tight end, and he got some spot action at QB last season.

“He's a first-year starter, but he has taken a lot of snaps,” Meek said. “He started a couple games last year when Haskell was out. He has experience. He's a bright kid and a tough kid. If you give me two qualities in a quarterback, I want smart and tough.”

Weathers has a dangerous weapon with him in the backfield in running back Steven Northerton.

“He's gonna have to touch the ball for us a lot,” Meek said. “Steven does a lot of things for us, and we'll try to give him the ball in multiple positions. He's a pretty dynamic kid.”

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